Tom Heathcote starts at fly-half for England U20

7 June 2012

Bath Rugby fly-half, Tom Heathcote has been named to start for England Under 20 as they make ten changes to the side that beat Italy 64-5 for Friday's IRB Junior World Championship clash against Ireland in Stellenbosch, kick off 5.45pm (BST), live on Sky Sports HD.

Gloucester centre Ryan Mills captains the side for the first time on his thirteenth Under 20 appearance and there are first starts for Saracens scrum half Ben Spencer and Northampton Saints flanker Ben Nutley.

Positional changes see Heathcote move to fly-half from inside centre and Harlequins' Charlie Walker makes the switch from full back to wing.

England lead the way in Pool B after their nine-try win, but face a confident Irish side looking to make it two wins from two after beating hosts South Africa 23-19.

Assistant coach Nick Walshe says that England have recovered well and are ready for the Irish challenge: "The Italy game was tough but we've had a few days to get ready and the boys are looking fresh," he said.

"Ireland had a fantastic result against South Africa so full credit to them for that, but we weren't surprised by it because we know what a good side they are and they can't be underestimated."

On Mills captaining the side, Walshe added: "Ryan brings with him a lot of experience, and a lot of talent. He played in last year's competition and he's a player the boys will follow and respond to on the field."